The flexi wings have been a trending topic in the recent times. The Red Bull team, enduring a slump, accused McLaren and Mercedes of using overarching front wings. However, FIA conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing every instrument to gain data. Ultimately, both the teams were given a clean chit, and McLaren continued its dream run. Whether McLaren’s sudden rise could be attributed to flexi wing setup remains a point of curiosity for RBR.
Therefore, the team will likely introduce a similar upgrade for the upcoming US Grand Prix. According to an F1 insider, the RB20 could only get an aerodynamic update in a limited time period. The RB F1 car has been grappling with endless issues. Thus, Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s world title hopes hinge on this setup overhaul.
Red Bull To Emulate McLaren’s Flexi Wing Strategy As Its F1 Development Standstill
In a technical analysis of RB20, RacingNews365 has revealed a potential front-wing setup for the Austin race. The technical team led by Pierre Wacche could only bring an aero-directed component. Fundamental changes to the cooling system or suspensions are out of the picture due to the limited time between Singapore and the US GP. Another reason holding RBR back is a crash-hampered annual budget cap. Therefore, the team’s focus is on mitigating the technical woes.
The biggest challenge for the Milton Keynes-based outfit has been the consistent downfall of its F1 project. The RB20 has gradually developed fundamental issues like instability and chronic understeer, hampering its overall balance and feel. Therefore, RacingNews365 has hinted that Red Bull would focus on the floor’s front section. According to their sources, the flow diverter’s curvature and wake-turbulence management would undergo a significant change. Although it is tough to understand the proceeding behind it, that’s the only option for the Bulls.
The Austrian outfit is all set to improve the front wing setup to leverage the excessive flexibility. Theoretically, the programmed flexibility would ensure more load under aerodynamic load. This would eliminate the understeer problem on the corners, allowing drivers to drift swiftly. Although the change sounds ambitious, its efficacy would only be measured after driver feedback. Therefore, this could be RBR’s last hope to revive itself in the world title hunt.
What Is A Flexi-Wing And Why Every F1 Team Wants It?
The Red Bull will revise the floor section, especially from the flow diverters. Moreover, the flexible wings will also debut for RBR in Austin. These Flexi Wings have been the highlight of the upgrade package. Its popularity is due to the FIA regulations, which limit the downforce point closer to the rear wings. In return, it disrupts the car’s speed on slow corners, inducing a huge disadvantage.
To address this issue, teams developed the Flexi wing concept, which has been on FIA’s radar. The overarching wings allow the drivers to play with the downforce point, helping the car steer perfectly through every corner. Though it looks illegal, it is well within the FI guidelines.